Forest department organizes plantation drive on Hariparbat

SRINAGAR: The J&K Department of Forests in collaboration with the National Society for Protection of Water Resources, Wetlands and Forests (NPWWF) today organized a plantation drive on Hariparbat aimed at promoting plantation of trees for cleaner and greener environment.
The drive was inaugurated by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Nisar Ahmad who was the chief guest on the occasion. Conservator of Forests Irfan Ali Shah, DFO Mukhtar Ahmad and Chairman NPWWF Nazir Benazir were also present on the occasion.
The plantation drive witnessed the participation of students especially from Green land School, Model Institute of Education, SMI Mission School besides forest department officials.
The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests while addressing the students and department officials said in contrast to the past practice trees are now grown in poly packs thus can be planted round the year, which provides for increased plantation of trees and therefore helps prevent deforestation.
He said the Forest department aims to plant more conifers on Hariparbat as has been done on Shankar Acharya hills, adding that vegetation helps decrease pollution levels.
Irfan Ali Shah while speaking on the occasion said the department’s sustained efforts have led to Shankar Acharya hills becoming lush green providing habitation to several kinds of wild animals including leopards and bears.
Chairman NPWWF said that the Forest department is playing an important role in urban forestry, adding that planting more trees in urban areas will help preserve cleaner and greener environment.